New Hearts strip pays tribute to war heroes

Jamie Walker models the new Hearts kit. Picture: Comp

BARRY ANDERSON

HEARTS today launched a new kit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their 1914 team, seven of whom died in battle during the First World War.

The strip is a modern twist on the kit from the 1914/15 season and is certain to prove hugely popular with supporters.

The new Hearts logo. Picture: Comp

A unique badge replaces the traditional Heart of Midlothian crest for next season and there is no sponsor in tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice at war. The kit features white shorts and black socks as well as the three-stripe branding of manufacturers Adidas.

Seven Hearts players – Duncan Currie, John Allan, James Boyd, Tom Gracie, Ernest Ellis, James Speedie and Harry Wattie – lost their lives during the Great War and the club wanted this year’s strip to act as a tribute 100 years on from the tragedy.

“The strip for season 2014/15 is dedicated to the club’s greatest ever team which went to war in 1914,” said a Tynecastle spokesperson. “Their efforts have been recorded in story and in song and we felt strongly that the centenary of this side should now be marked in an appropriate fashion by the current first-team players.

“Having consulted the supporters about a commemorative crest, we believe the unique badge for the new season is another fitting tribute to the team of 1914-15 and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the SPFL and the Scottish FA for granting their approval of this change.

“As in previous years, the club could have had a sponsor on the front of the jersey but it was decided not to commercialise the home top on this occasion as a further mark of respect to the team which went to war.

“Given the significance of the anniversary, Wonga.com [this season’s sponsor] were fully in tune with our views and we would like to thank them for their understanding and their co-operation underlines the excellent working relationship we have enjoyed with them over the past three seasons.”

Hearts fans wishing to pre-order the new kit can do so from today. Log on to www.heartsdirect.co.uk, visit the Tynecastle store or call 0871 663 1874 and choose option 2. Shirt prices are £45 for adults and £35 for kids and infants.

The historic 2014/15 strip will be available to purchase in store at Tynecastle from 9am on Thursday, May 15.